The University of Melbourne stands at the forefront of fostering Indigenous excellence in higher education through its Faculty of Education. It proudly presents two distinctive programs meticulously crafted for individuals of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who are either currently immersed in or have recently concluded their Research Higher Degrees. These initiatives are designed to significantly enhance Aboriginal Career And Leadership Development Program participation within academia and beyond.
Rooted deeply in Indigenous knowledges and perspectives, these programs benefit from the invaluable contributions of esteemed senior Indigenous academics from across Australia. They provide unparalleled opportunities for students to forge connections, establish networks with fellow Indigenous researchers, and cultivate crucial research collaborations. The overarching aim is to equip students with the essential research proficiencies necessary for the successful completion of their higher degrees and to cultivate robust leadership capabilities, ensuring a thriving aboriginal career and leadership development program for participants.
The Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research and the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership together constitute Signature Project 1.1 of Murmuk Djerring, the University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Strategy 2023-27. This strategic alignment underscores the University’s commitment to advancing Indigenous participation and leadership in research and academia, directly supporting aboriginal career and leadership development program outcomes.
Thanks to the generous philanthropy of Julie Hannaford, successful applicants are awarded a full scholarship. This prestigious scholarship encompasses course fees and comprehensively covers travel and accommodation expenses for an immersive on-campus symposium, removing financial barriers to accessing this vital aboriginal career and leadership development program.
A Word from Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), Professor Barry Judd
“Indigenous academic leadership is a transformative force, holding the power to enrich and reshape our universities,” states Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous). “Here at Melbourne, our two Indigenous research certificates are specifically designed to empower our Indigenous students, enabling them to not just participate but to excel within academia and in their broader careers. These are pivotal components of an effective aboriginal career and leadership development program.”
Professor Judd further shares his personal experience: “As an alumnus of both of these programs, I can personally vouch for their profound impact. They were instrumental in honing my research and leadership skills through an Indigenous lens. Crucially, they provided a platform to connect with Indigenous scholars from all corners of Australia, allowing me to build a strong academic network. These programs were undeniably formative in shaping my academic trajectory and inspiring me to actively pursue leadership roles. They are, in essence, a cornerstone of aboriginal career and leadership development program success.”
“I wholeheartedly encourage all Indigenous graduate students to explore enrolling in these transformative programs. By doing so, you will not only bolster your own academic and leadership prospects but also contribute significantly to enriching the wider academic landscape. We invite you to join us in making a lasting and meaningful impact on Indigenous higher education and leadership through this vital aboriginal career and leadership development program initiative.”
Program Structure and Learning Experience
Discover more about how these certificate courses operate by watching a video featuring program founder, Professor Marcia Langton, and former Pro Vice-Chancellor (Place and Indigenous), Professor Shaun Ewen. (Video link would be embedded here if available)
Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research: Building Foundational Skills
The Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research is a semester-long, interdisciplinary coursework program meticulously structured for students currently engaged in a Research Higher Degree. This program is crucial for aboriginal career and leadership development program participants at the early stages of their research journey.
Through collaborative learning within a cohort, students cultivate a comprehensive suite of research skills within a culturally respectful and supportive learning environment. The program is intentionally underpinned by Indigenous perspectives, ensuring relevance and resonance for participants. This certificate is open to Research Higher Degree students (Masters or PhD) from any Australian University who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, fostering a nationwide aboriginal career and leadership development program community.
Explore the Professional Certificate and Application Details
Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership: Advancing to Leadership Roles
The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership is an interdisciplinary coursework program specifically designed to further develop research and leadership capabilities from an Indigenous perspective. This advanced program is a key element in aboriginal career and leadership development program progression. It is carefully tailored to align with the academic or research contexts of each participant, ensuring personalized and impactful learning.
This certificate serves as a natural progression for those who have successfully completed the Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research, representing the next step in their aboriginal career and leadership development program journey. It is designed for individuals of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent who have completed or are nearing completion of a doctoral degree and are poised to assume leadership roles within their fields.
Discover the Graduate Certificate and Application Details
Voices of Experience: Testimonials from Program Participants
Hear directly from past participants about the transformative impact of these courses on their careers and leadership aspirations, highlighting the real-world benefits of this aboriginal career and leadership development program:
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“The course was incredibly engaging and broadened my perspective on post-graduate work, research methodologies, and critical thinking, especially within an Indigenous framework. It demonstrated how your unique positioning can shape theoretical approaches. This course was a pivotal moment for me, truly unlocking my potential. I cannot recommend it highly enough as a component of aboriginal career and leadership development program.”
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“The scholarship support was a game-changer for me, making the course accessible. Knowing that it also enabled others to participate and seeing so many of us together in one room was truly empowering. This accessibility is vital for the success of any aboriginal career and leadership development program.”
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“This course is vital for advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. It provides a crucial platform for those starting their research journey to gain invaluable insights, refine their ideas, and build essential networks. These elements are foundational, providing early-career support that bolsters confidence and the ability to complete the research journey. More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and academics are essential, not just for parity, but to ensure our lived experiences and stories are heard and shared. This course directly addresses this need within the aboriginal career and leadership development program framework.”
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“Thinking about research through an Aboriginal lens in this dedicated space is exceptionally valuable and uniquely difficult to find elsewhere. It’s a cornerstone of effective aboriginal career and leadership development program initiatives.”
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“For me, the most memorable outcome from the Graduate Certificate was undoubtedly the people. Connecting with fellow participants and the Melbourne University team was exactly what I needed. Seeing the diverse research areas that other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are engaged in was inspiring and insightful. The connections I made are truly special and reassure me that my journey is not solitary. The relationships forged through this course will provide ongoing support, which is incredibly important given the number of Indigenous academics in Australia. The Graduate Certificate solidified my belief in the validity and importance of my role as an Aboriginal academic, emphasizing its potential impact and power within the broader aboriginal career and leadership development program landscape.”
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“The program embodies our Indigenous ways of being – relationality, community, and shared learning. This coming together, this sharing, is a profoundly important and supportive aspect of this program, acting as a vital scaffold for aboriginal career and leadership development program participants.”
About the banner artwork: ‘Murmuk Djerring – Working Together’ by Samantha Richards (Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung) embodies the University’s Indigenous Strategy theme. It represents the layers of the land, the generations past and present, and the rich cultural heritage beneath our feet.
First published on 6 February 2024.
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